Today we bring the G-Funk flag to half-mast, mourning the loss of funk and soul legend, Leon Haywood. According Associated Press, Haywood past in his sleep last night at the age of 74, and though his '74 hit, "I Wanna Do Something Freaky To You" has been embedded in the DNA of G-Funk by Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg's "Nuthin' But A G Thang" (sampled by countless others in the years since) Haywood's career cannot be reduced down to just those bones.

He began a storied run as a key player supporting blues great, Guitar Slim, moving on to work in the ranks of Sam Cooke's band until the soul singer's death in 1964. He began his solo career in the mid-60s, landing on the charts with "It's Got To Be Mellow" before reemerging in the 70s as a bridge to disco's timeless four-to-the-floor count. And so, we say goodbye to a man that laid the groundwork for so many, and gave us smokey, smooth and sensual notes to last a lifetime. Rest in peace, Leon Haywood. May the funk be forever with you.